remixing possibility

By Haley Fletcher, Senior Program Manager, Global Partnership Program

For Silvestre, attending Campuka, the GPP camp in Paraguay, was a big deal. Due to his cancer and related treatment, Silvestre hadn’t had the chance to interact with many other adolescents. It was challenging for him to get around by himself, and he spent a lot of time at home sitting in his wheelchair.

For the first couple days of camp, Silvestre's "tios" (counselors) were afraid he wasn’t enjoying himself. He opted out of most activities. the counselors worked hard all week to find activities that Silvestre would want to participate in, offering to play cards, dominoes or draw pictures. He didn't seem to want to engage in anything or with anyone.

Throughout the week, his cabin mates were preparing a top-secret act for El Gran Show (Stage Night) scheduled for the last night of camp. They had decided to do a samba dance dressed in full Carnival costumes. After practicing the dance routine for the entire week, the boys were ready to perform.

Silvestre's cabin was the last act scheduled for El Gran Show. The lights dimmed. The samba music started, and the boys in the cabin came out dancing in full force. But Silvestre was nowhere to be seen.

Then the music paused. Out from behind the other boys, Silvestre emerged, his wheelchair converted into a full DJ stand made with arts and crafts materials. Decked out in sunglasses, he put his arms up, and a remix of the dance song came flooding over the sound system. The entire camp went wild. Fellow campers and counselors jumped out of their seats into a spontaneous dance party with Silvestre at the center. Song after song was played, and everyone at Campuka danced and danced. Silvestre's face beamed with pride.

The next day, everyone got on the bus to head home from camp. When his mother saw Silvestre, she ran up to him, gave him a big hug and began to cry. Silvestre had a smile on his face that she hadn't seen in a long time. His mother turned to Silvestre's counselors and embraced them, too, sharing that that she had never seen her son so happy.

Campuka provided "DJ Silvestre," as he will be forever remembered, with the opportunity to reach beyond his challenges, and to celebrate with new friends. That’s what happens at camp; that’s the power of SeriousFun. Campuka has some great photos and stories on their Facebook page. Become a fan, and see for yourself.

To make a donation in support of one of our incredible Global Partnership Programs, like Campuka, please visit our web site.